Official Language:
Turkish
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Currency:
Turkish Lira
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Population:
Approximately 50,000 people call Kusadasi home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Kusadasi Turkey: Kusadasi has the typical characteristics of the Mediterranean climate with warm sunny summers and mild, wet winter.
Spring (from late February to mid-May)
Temperature and Sea temperature rise. Average temperature is 73°F/23°C. Thin clothes and a jacket should suffice. It may rain a few days. You had better take a lightweight raincoat with you.
Summer (from late May to mid-October)
It is warm and sunny. Temperature is up to 91°F/33°C. Short sleeves and cotton suits best. A lightweight sweater for indoors as restarurants or cafes that have air condition is recommended. An umbrella or a hat can ward off the intense sunshine.
Autumn (from late October to mid-December)
Temperature and humidity decrease. These are clear, sunny days. Short sleeves and light jackets would be fine. It is cooler at nights. Average temperature is 73°F/23°C .
Winter (late December to mid-February)
Cool with low humidity. Temperature can drop to 60°F/13°C Occasional chills make woolens and overcoats worth bringing. It is cold at nights. Average temperature is 62°F/17°C.
Local clothing ranges from beach pants-casual and designer fashions to conservative business suits.
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Cruise ships dock at the Port of Kusadasi only 5 min walking distance to City center (Tel 90/6361-1025). You can take a taxi from the port to Ephesus, to beaches or any destination around the city. While in Kusadasi, the best way to travel is via the dolmus, public minibuses that travel to all the tourist sites and surrounding regions of Kusadasi. Each minibus hold 15 passengers, and prices vary by municipality, although all are affordable. Another option is to take one of the local Taksis. The drivers also function as knowledgeable guides to their homeland, and you can arrange for a personalized driving tour of the region. Ships dock downtown and cruise passengers can take a taxi or a minivan to any of the beaches or archaeological attractions. You can purchase guide books to Ephesus, written in English from any of the vendors at the pier. These guide books show great pictures and maps of the region. Most tours to Ephesus are privately guided. However, if you would prefer not to purchase an excursion from the cruise line, then feel free to rent a car and have a personal guide take you inside. Below, please take a look at some of the most popular attractions and activities.
Most visitors whether you are on a cruise or not, will head for the ancient city of Ephesus from here. Ephesus is about a half hour drive away. Greece is by no means the only place to find ancient Greek ruins. Turkey has proven to be somewhat of a goldmine with regards to ancient city ruins.
One of the ancient world's largest and most important archaeological and religious sites, Ephesus is noted for its Greek and Roman architecture. Archaeologists have been working for over a hundred years to uncover the hidden treasures of Ephesus, yet only a small percentage of the huge city has yet been revealed.
A popular religious destination, Ephesus is where St. Paul, in 53 BC, gave a series of famous lectures in the Great Theaters, in an attempt to spread Christianity. Just outside the ancient city, you will find the world famous Church of the Virgin Mary. Tradition states, and the Roman Catholic Pope confirms, that this church was built on the grounds of a house where St. John and the Virgin Mary lived their final days after the death of Jesus Christ. Visiting the church today, you’ll find numerous shrines (both Christian and Muslim) as well as drinkable fountains springing from the floor of the building that are believed to have healing powers.
In Kusadasi, the "dolmus" or city bus is the best way to get around. This method of transportation is not only efficient and reliable but it is also inexpensive. You can also take the yellow painted taxi cars, labeled “Taksi". Because Ephesus is the major attraction in this region you will have no trouble finding transportation to and from the ruins if you miss your motor coach.
Turkey is a sprawling and diverse country, and Kusadasi best exemplifies this diversity. The city has been built up to resemble a beach resort, but the citizens have rebelled against this all-out push for tourism. Many of the beaches are quite unpopulated, and when you travel into the heart of the town you do not get a bustling touristy feeling at all. Instead, you are likely to marvel at the glorious historical and architectural sights, enjoy one of the great dining facilities, or lounge around a cozy bar and have a drink with one of the locals.
Today Kusadasi is a city famous for its spectacular sunsets and interesting bazaars. The best way to enjoy Kusadasi is by spending the majority of your time at the beach or by one of the fabulous swimming pools. If you are one to trust the masses, then visit Kusadasi in the summertime when the normal winter population of 40,000 balloons to a tremendous 400,000. Even in the summer you will still be able to find beautiful and secluded beach areas and enjoy a peaceful dinner by the sea.
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Attractions |
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Exploring the Ruins of Ephesus is probably the most fascinating activity in Kusadasi. Here you are given the chance to travel around a cultural site full of incredible and historic architecture. The ancient towns of Priene, Didyma, and Miletus can be observed in their original state. You should be able to see all three of these sites if you plan accordingly, and if you do, you will be in for a real treat. The best location within the three cities is the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. This is virtually the last standing relic of this great city, but it more than makes up for what is lacking. This impressive edifice was erected around the 6th century B.C. and when it was built it was the tallest building in the world. The columns shoot over 60 feet into the air, and the huge stone discs supporting the building are worth a look. The best company to contact regarding trips and tours around these ancient sites is sardunya Travel Tel:+90 256 613 0230 fax:+90 256 613 0233 web:http://www.ephesustours.com.
Kusadasi
This is one of the best looking resort towns you’ll find on the Aegean coast. It boasts a lovely harbor, and miles of powdery sand beaches. You can enjoy water sports such as boating, water skiing, and windsurfing. For those that may not be as interested in water sports, there are a number small shops, boutiques, and cafes along the palm lined boulevard offering a variety of handicrafts, and plenty of refreshing beverages and snacks.
Ephesus
This ancient city was once one of the most powerful and influential cities in the world. Pilgrims from all over the ancient world came to see the beautiful and magnificent Temple of Artemis, located at the summit of the hilltop city, considered one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Temple of Artemis (Diana) and the Great Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Ephesus remains one of the most complete ancient cities in the world. Now for a walk in the footsteps of toga clad ancients…
Arcadian Way
In ancient times, this grand, marble paved road led from the harbor to the Grand Theater, at the entrance to the city. A testament to the power and opulence of Ephesus, it was surrounded by elegant colonnades and was so valuable that wheeled vehicles were not permitted to drive on it. You’ll find it’s still largely intact today, and if you follow it through to the city, it intersects the Sacred Way. This road was also paved in marble and is grooved from chariots and other wheeled vehicles driving across the city. If you look beneath the fragments of paving stones, you can see the city’s elaborate water and sewer systems.
The Great Theater
Built into the side of the hill, at the base of the hilltop city, you’ll find this amphitheater, one of the largest theaters of its time, with seats for nearly 25,000 spectators. It was completed in its present form under the Emperor Trajan and remains in excellent condition today. The acoustics are so good, in fact, that plays and musical performances are still held here. If you sit in the “nosebleed” section, you’ll have an excellent view of the lovely green plains below (part of which used to be the Aegean coastline). Another of the notable structures is the Great Theater with capacity for 24,000 spectators. The scene of gladiatorial contests, it was here that Anthony appeared with Cleopatra before the populace and where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians.
The Agoura Marketplace
If you wanted to send mail, pay bills, do the daily shopping, or simply meet friends, this ancient market was the place to be. Shopping in ancient times was nothing like going to a grocery store today, where it’s in and out through that checkout line as quick as you can. The agora was more of a combination between a city park and a shopping mall, consisting of a wide-open space surrounded by an elegant colonnade lined with numerous shops.
Library of Celsus
In the early 2nd century AD, this grand library was erected in honor of Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, who was the Roman governor of Asia Minor, and who still lies buried under the west side of the building. It was once a major center of learning, and held over 12,000 scrolls in the niches along its walls. Today it is best known for its façade, which once featured statues representing the Virtues, now housed in Vienna’s Ephesus Museum.
Turkish Baths
Bathing back in the day wasn’t a private affair – it was done at the city baths, a public space for people to relax and chat with friends. It was sort of like a modern-day spa, only cheaper and more sociable. After working out in the gymnasium, you could enjoy music and even poetry readings while soaking in cold (or hot) water. Ephesus was a large and important city, and its baths were accordingly large and important.
Artemesium - Temple of Artemis
This temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, renowned for its magnificence and beauty. People from all over the world came here to worship the goddess Artemis, the patroness of Ephesus, and the focus of a fertility cult. Today people still come here from all over the world to see it, but unfortunately, all that’s left is the foundation and fragments of the building.
Church of the Virgin Mary After the death of Jesus Christ, it is believed that St. John accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, where they both lived the final years of their lives in a small house. This church was erected on the foundation of that house, and its authenticity was officially confirmed by the Archbishop of Izmir in 1892, and more recently reaffirmed by Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. In this church, Christians and Muslims alike agree on one thing: the saintliness of the Virgin Mary. Within the building you’ll find a Muslim shrine in one section of the house, and a series of fountains springing from the floor, believed to have curative powers. It’s located within walking distance from the ruins of Ephesus.
House of the Virgin Mary Commemoration Ceremony
Each year Christian pilgrims from all over the world come to this church to witness this ceremony honoring the Virgin Mary.
Basilica of St. John
St. John, one of Jesus Christ’s disciples, spent the last years of his life here, during which he wrote part of the New Testament. Over the spot where he was supposedly buried on Ayosuluk Hill, the Emperor Justinian built this magnificent church in the first half of the 6th century AD. Over the years, it has been recovered, but only partially restored, and today it lies almost entirely in ruins.
Priene
This is one of the oldest known Ionian settlements and according to legend, was founded by an Amazon queen in the 2nd millennium BC. While never particularly large or powerful, Priene derived a substantial livelihood from its proximity to the Aegean Sea. However, over the years, the silt from the Meander River slowly expanded the delta, eventually cutting the city off from the sea entirely. With no source of livelihood, the city was finally abandoned in the 14th century AD. Today you’ll find the extremely well preserved remains of a marketplace, theater, stadium, houses, temples, and schools.
Miletus
Miletus dates back to about 1400 BC and is located just south of Priene. Unfortunately, it suffered a similar fate: like Priene, it was deserted when the Meander River cut it off from its maritime livelihood. Today you’ll find the ruins of the agora, temples and shrines, baths, and a theater. In its heyday, Miletus was apparently a hot spot of “natural philosophers” including: Thales, who Aristotle identifies as the founder of the school of natural philosophy; and his younger contemporary, Anaximander.
Didyma
Yet another ancient port city was Didyma, famous worldwide for the Oracle of Apollo. Greek men and women from all walks of life would frequent Didyma’s harbor for a moment of consultation with the Oracle. During the Byzantine period, a church was erected on the foundation of the ancient temple dedicated to Apollo, but over the years, the structure once again shows its pre-Christian origins.
Tour of Ancient Ephesus
From Kusadasi, a motorcoach will bring you to the remarkable ruins of ancient Ephesus. After passing through the Magnasia Gate, you’ll find yourself in the ancient city, where you can explore apartments, baths, temples, the impressive Library of Celsus, and the Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached to the people of Ephesus. Upon returning to Kusadasi, you’ll have time to browse the shops or stop by one of the cafes along the harbor before returning to the ship. Tromping around ancient ruins all day can be exhausting so be sure to wear your hiking shoes!
Ephesus and the Archaeological Museum
From Kusadasi, a short drive will take you to the famous ruins of ancient Ephesus. You’ll have time to walk around the ruins passing by the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Arcadian Way before heading for the Archaeological Museum. This is considered one of the finest museums in Turkey. This museum features archaeological finds of the ancient site of Ephesus including prehistoric objects, sculptures, coins, statues, and Roman busts, pottery, bronzes, and frescoes from the site at Ephesus. Upon returning to Kusadasi, you’ll have time to browse the shops in town for souvenirs before returning to the ship.
Shopping
Optional carpet demonstrations (with an emphasis on purchasing them) are often a part of organized tours, but if you aren’t interested don’t be shy about ducking out. Head for a café for coffee. It is said a cup of local coffee lasts 40 years if shared with a friend so try this theory over strong Turkish brew. If you aren't an adventurous caffeine addict, try the "Nescafe," which is milder and with less grounds in the bottom of the cup.The Bazaar is an integral part of a day in port in Kusadasi and walking from the pier you can’t miss it. Plunge into the fray where you’ll find merchants eager to display carpets, brass and leather goods, jewelry, meerschaum pipes, onyx, and just about everything imaginable. Shopkeepers will offer boiling hot apple tea while you browse. This is a ritual of Turkish hospitality and doesn’t obligate you to make a purchase. Unless you are seriously interested in buying, don’t begin the bartering process!
Kusadasi itself is basically a beach resort, and there are a couple of beaches that are notable. More special than the beaches are the great water sports that have been made available by the existence of a couple of new companies. Ladies Beach is the most infamous and entertaining beach in Kusadasi, but depending on your stance on public nudity, you may want to leave the kids home for this one. In any event, this can be a fun beach with great scenery, so to speak. The Grand Blue Sky Beach is more modern and well kept. The water sports outlets and eateries here are great. Contact Blue Sky Water Sports (256/612-8330) for jet ski, water ski, and sea kayak rentals. Guvercin Ada is a more secluded and tranquil beach, with nothing but sand and a calm, blue sea. It is a perfect beach for swimming, sun bathing, or just relaxing. Kustur Beach is a popular and sometimes crowded spot, but it offers the most things to do. Contact the Kustur Dive Center/Blue Lagoon Diving (256/614-7726) for outstanding day and night dives off the shore of Kustur Beach. The Water Sports Center rents of all kinds of equipment, including parasails, water skis, windsails, and surfboards.
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More Information |
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Web: www.kusadasionline.com/essentials/quick.htm
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